Best Des Moines to Detroit Movers

How Much Do Des Moines to Detroit Movers Cost?

Moving 598 miles from Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Detroit that already have a booked job heading from Detroit to Des Moines. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Detroit from Des Moines entirely empty. If you can find a Detroit moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Des Moines to Detroit moving option

Hire local Des Moines movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Detroit movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Des Moines to Detroit move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Des Moines to Detroit movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Des Moines to Detroit moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 19 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Des Moines and Detroit areas.

From these 19 companies, we analyzed a total of 3,850 reviews dating all the way back to February 2009.

We also reviewed a total of 0 state and federal moving licenses from these 19 companies and 97 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~3,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 1,827 Des Moines to Detroit moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like Adamantine Spine Moving) vs older more established companies (like Hemmen Moving).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Des Moines to Detroit moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.85/10 avg (Des Moines & Detroit combined) from 2,352 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.31/10 avg (Des Moines & Detroit combined) from 742 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.84/10 avg (Des Moines & Detroit combined) from 504 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.74/10 avg (Des Moines & Detroit combined) from 840 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.14/10 avg (Des Moines & Detroit combined) from 320 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.94/10 avg (Des Moines & Detroit combined) from 903 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.18/10 avg (Des Moines & Detroit combined) from 1,372 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.59/10 avg (Des Moines & Detroit combined) from 2,390 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.66/10 avg (Des Moines & Detroit combined) from 1,403 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.41/10 avg (Des Moines & Detroit combined) from 271 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.41/10 avg (Des Moines & Detroit combined) from 1,076 reviews

From Des Moines to Detroit: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• East Village in Des Moines & Midtown in Detroit are both known for their: arts, restaurants & nightlife
• Des Moines' Sherman Hill neighborhood & Detroit's West Village both share: historic Victorian homes & restoration
• If you're moving from Beaverdale, check out Rosedale Park in the Detroit area for: bungalow-style homes & strong community
• Do you enjoy Ingersoll Park's historic brick homes close to downtown? You're sure to love Corktown
• Move from Greenwood Park to East English Village and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: modest historic homes & quiet streets
• Drake & Midtown are both known for their: college presence & cultural hub
• Des Moines' Capitol East neighborhood & Detroit's Brush Park neighborhood both have: urban redevelopment & modern condos
• If you're moving from Roosevelt, look into East English Village for: family-friendly & tree-lined streets
• Do you cherish living in Woodland Heights' craftsman bungalows & neighborhood feel? Move into West Village for something similar
• The similar vibes of Waveland Park & Palmer Woods are both known for: large lots & suburban park-like setting

Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Detroit

ConsDes Moines, IA

• Smaller job market
• Lower diversity
• Fewer cultural venues
• Less night life

ProsDetroit, MI

• Larger job market
• Greater diversity
• More cultural venues
• Vibrant night life

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Detroit, MI

• Higher living costs
• More traffic
• Urban hustle
• Less communal feel

Des Moines, IA

• More affordable living
• Less traffic congestion
• Quiet, suburban feel
• Community-oriented

Pros of moving from Des Moines to Detroit

• Say goodbye to the smaller job market and hello to the larger job market
• Look forward to moving away from lower diversity and moving to Detroit with greater diversity
• Swap the fewer cultural venues of Des Moines for more cultural venues in Detroit
• Get ready for a vibrant night life in Detroit

Cons of moving from Des Moines to Detroit

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from more affordable living in Des Moines to live with higher living costs in Detroit
• You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic congestion and have to settle for the con of more traffic
• Time to bid farewell to the quiet suburban feel and get used to the urban hustle in Detroit
• Swap the community-oriented feel for a less communal atmosphere

Des Moines vs. Detroit: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Des Moines to Detroit, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Des Moines for the equally delicious Coney Dog of Detroit. And while the locals in Des Moines rave about their flavorful Beef Brisket and sumptuous Walking Taco, Detroit residents know they have tasty Square Pizza and Gyro to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Coney Dog of Detroit. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Des Moines eateries like Aria, Centro, and Fong's Pizza. After the boxes are unpacked in Detroit, don't wait too long before making your way to Detroit's acclaimed eateries like American Coney Island, Buddy's Pizza, and Slows Bar BQ.

When comparing lifestyles, Detroit shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Des Moines. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Detroit compared to what you are used to in Des Moines. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Detroit.

Discover Detroit Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Detroit is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Des Moines favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Auburn Place, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, and Centro in Des Moines, we're sure you'll love Selden Standard, Green Dot Stables, and SheWolf in Detroit. See our Detroit restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Des Moines hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Fong's Pizza, head to Supino Pizzeria on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Des Moines and Detroit

• The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Des Moines is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Bungalow architecture typical of Detroit.
• Compared to Des Moines's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and proximity to schools, Detroit real estate listings often highlight features like historic properties and urban renewal areas.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Detroit is less walkable than Des Moines.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike as Detroit is less bike-friendly than Des Moines.
• Detroit has more of an urban feel than Des Moines.
• Detroit housing costs are 64% less expensive than they are in Des Moines with a median home price of $71,547 compared to Des Moines’s $199,739.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Detroit have increased by 60% compared to a 38% increase in Des Moines.
• Rent in Detroit is 18.64% more expensive than in Des Moines.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Detroit, MI

1. Corktown : You’ll find plenty of pet-friendly spaces and businesses, making it easy to enjoy outings with your furry friend.
2. Midtown : You and your pet can take advantage of numerous parks and walkable streets, enhancing your daily adventures together.
3. West Village : This neighborhood offers a welcoming community atmosphere with pet-friendly patios and local green spaces for you to explore with your pet.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Des Moines and Detroit

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Des Moines to Detroit. Detroit gets 11% fewer sunshine days than Des Moines.
• Detroit has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Des Moines.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Des Moines, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and occasional tornadoes in Detroit.
• The average summer high temperature in Detroit is 2 degrees colder than in Des Moines.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Des Moines.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Detroit. Detroit receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to Des Moines.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Des Moines and Detroit

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Detroit tend to earn about 40% less than in Des Moines
• The COLI in Detroit is 9% higher than what you are used to living in Des Moines
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25 compared to 6.5 in IA
• The affluence in Detroit is varied compared to moderate affluence in Des Moines
• The poverty level is higher in Detroit compared to lower poverty in Des Moines
• In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in Des Moines and moderate in Detroit

Political and Religious Climate in Des Moines vs. Detroit

• Des Moines tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Detroit, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Detroit's religious environment can be described as Christianity dominant with a strong presence of the Islamic community and local religious organizations
• Des Moines' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant with diverse religious communities and local religious organizations

Des Moines vs. Detroit Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 20% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Detroit compared to your Des Moines commute. That's 2080 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Detroit to be worse than it is in Des Moines.
• Public transit is more readily available in Detroit.